Geomorphic analysis of landslide dams in the Northern Apennine

n recent years the study of landslide dams and of their associated lakes has acquired a significant relevance in engineering geomorphology for forecasting and preventing induced hydraulic risk on lives and property. Landslide dams are quite frequent in the Northern Apennine region where the hydrographic readjustment to rapid tectonic uplift has created narrow and steep river valleys. On the other hand, the associated lakes are usually short-lived since the blockages are easily disrupted and the lakes can be rapidly filled. The most important control on their evolution is represented by the instability and erodibility of the pelitic and arenaceous rocks which form large part of the Apennine chain. This note presents the results of a regional inventory of about seventy landslide dams, selected in the Northern Apennine in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Several geomorphic parameters have been measured, during field investigations and through air photo interpretation, or estimated, using historic and bibliographic information. The analysis of these quantities allows us to develop models in order to forecast the possibility of formation of landslide dams and to evaluate their stability once they have formed.